Installation Guide

The First 5 Minutes

Let's take VX for a quick test drive. We'll create a new VX file and a new part at the same time.  Then we'll use a sketch to create a simple extruded shape.  After viewing the part in different display modes and learning about Dynamic View, we'll save the file. You now have the keys.  Lets go for a ride!

1. From your desktop (or from your user directory using Windows Explorer) select the vx.exe icon to launch VX.

vx.exe Icon

 

The VX splash screen will appear while the program loads.  Once VX is loaded, you need to create a file to work in.

2. Pick File > New or pick from the Tool Bar or press (Ctrl+N) to display the New File/Object Form shown below.
    

3. This form allows you to create a new file and a root object (e.g., part/assembly, drawing sheet, etc.) at the same time. As you can see, the Part/Assembly icon is already selected. Type TEST DRIVE.VX in the Name field and then pick OK. You are then moved to the Part Level.

Now we can create some geometry.

4. Pick the Extrude Shape icon from the Shape Tool Bar.

5. Middle-click to create a new 2d sketch.

6. Middle-click to accept the world XY datum plane.

7. Middle-click again to continue.
    

Now you're at the Sketch Level. VX is a multi-level application.  Each level is used to create or manage different root objects like parts and assemblies, sketches, drawings, etc.  You are moved to the sketch level automatically during any command that can accept a sketch as input.
 

8. Pick the Circle (Center, Boundary) icon   from the Advanced Tool Bar.

9. Enter 0,0 into the text input window to locate the center of the circle at the plane origin.

10. For the radius, enter a value of 40.

Sketching a Circle for the Extrude Solid Command
 

11. Pick the Escape icon  on the Tool Bar to terminate the circle command.

12. Right-click and pick Exit Sketch from the popup menu or pick  from the Tool Bar to exit the sketch.

You are now back at the Part Level, ready to complete the Extrude Shape command.

13. Enter 0 for the start of the extrusion.

14. Enter 35 for the end of the extrusion.  The extruded shape is created.

Extruded Solid Complete

 

15. Pick View > Hidden Line to see the part as it is shown in the figure above.  Now pick View > Shade to change to a shaded display.
    
     

You can also pick from the Tool Bar of simply press (Ctrl+F).  VX provides multiple ways of performing tasks.  Choose methods that are most comfortable for you.  You can also customize VX to create your own User Tool Bars and keyboard shortcuts.  

Setting the Display to Shade
 

Now let's use Dynamic View.  What is Dynamic View?  Its an easy way to view and manipulate your display.  Dynamic View is a group of functions that work in conjunction with your 3-button mouse and function keys to dynamically pan, zoom and rotate your part, sketch or drawing sheet. Dynamic View is also transparent so it can be used at any time without interrupting the active command.

16. Pick from the Tool Bar to toggle Dynamic View on.  You can also press (Ctrl+Space) or press and hold the F2 key.  Notice that the cursor now looks like a 3-button mouse.
     

17. Press and hold the right mouse button as you drag the cursor in a circular pattern.  The part will dynamically rotate.  The left mouse button pans and the middle button zooms.

Using Dynamic View
 

18. If you wish you can pick File > Save or pick from the Tool Bar to save your file. The File Browser is displayed to select the location of your file. Pick Save to save it.

Congratulations! You have just created your first VX part. Now select Help > Help Browser... to learn more about VX or select Help > Interactive Mode to display help for each VX command you select.